A Few Notes on Today’s Apple Stuff

iOS 11: available next Tuesday for free for all modern phones and pads. See the full list below. Very worthwhile, new photo features, better photo compression (without sacrificing quality,) new emoji, the ability to send money to people via text, security, blah blah blah meow meow meow. Siri sounds way better. Once you install 11, you might have to wait a little while for her new voice to show up, but it really is obvious. She can also translate now.

A cat succumbing to one of the new photo features.

iPhone 8 and 8+: If it’s been a couple of years since you upgraded, these are fine new contenders. Faster than MacBooks from just a few years ago, better cameras, “our most durable glass ever,” and the ability to wirelessly charge. If you already have a 7 or 7+, you don’t have a reason to upgrade, unless you have the Apple Upgrade Program. You can get an 8 or 8+ via the Apple Upgrade Program starting at $36/month (you’ll get a new phone next year.)

As happens every year, the previous year’s model becomes cheaper, so if you’re WAY behind the curve, see what kind of deal your carrier will give you on a 7. DO NOT upgrade to less than a 7 if you want to keep your new phone for a while.

iPhone X: Unless you have money to burn or are an app developer, there is no compelling reason to buy it this year. It is “the future of the iPhone.” This is true, and we can all look forward to some of its advanced features moving down the product line over the next couple of years. If you have the money, you can get one via the Apple Upgrade Program for $50/month.

Apple Watch 3: it has a cell phone built in. If you’re a hard-core runner, I’d consider it, as you can run without a phone, connect bluetooth earphones, and stream 40 million songs. If you don’t have a Watch, the Series 1 is now down to $250. Still very capable, but you can’t swim with it.